Wooden S-shaped confidante lacquered in red and gold, second half of the 19th century, France.

C. Postel—DeA Picture Library

Confidante designed by George Hepplewhite and illustrated in his Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s …

Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London

The name was revived in the second half of the 19th century for various types of seats accommodating two or more couples side by side, each couple facing a different direction. A common form was an S-shape for two couples, the couples seated side by side but facing in the opposite direction.